Aligned Electroactive TMV Nanofibers as Enabling Scaffold for Neural Tissue Engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Developing advanced scaffolds is crucial for neural tissue engineering.
• Electroactive materials can potentially enhance neural cell differentiation and outgrowth.
• Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) offers a unique nanoscale template for material fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate electroactive nanofibers using TMV as a template.
• To investigate the effect of these nanofibers on neuronal cell growth and differentiation.
• To evaluate the potential of these nanofibers as scaffolding for neural tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization of aniline on TMV surfaces using sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) as a dopant.
• Fabrication of TMV/PANi/PSS electroactive nanofibers.
• Culturing neuronal cells on both electroactive and nonconductive TMV-derived nanofibers.
• Aligning nanofibers within capillaries to guide neurite outgrowth.

Main Results:

• TMV/PANi/PSS nanofibers significantly augmented neurite length in cultured neuronal cells.
• A higher percentage of cells exhibited neurites when cultured on electroactive nanofibers compared to nonconductive ones.
• Aligned electroactive nanofibers in capillaries guided neurite outgrowth direction, increased neurite formation, and induced bipolar cell morphology.

Conclusions:

• The electroactivity and topographical features of TMV/PANi/PSS nanofibers synergistically stimulate neural cell differentiation and neurite outgrowth.
• These nanofibers represent a promising scaffolding material for neural tissue engineering applications.
• The ability to align nanofibers offers enhanced control over neural network formation.